AI Operations Manager

Job Description:

AI Operations Manager

(Draper Utah In-Office)

Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPBD) is a technology and data-driven leader in accessible and inclusive financial solutions that address the evolving needs and aspirations of underserved customers. The Company's customer-facing operating units include industry-leading brands such as Acima, Brigit, and Rent-A-Center that facilitate consumer transactions across a wide range of store-based and digital channels, including over 2,300 company branded retail units across the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Upbound Group, Inc. is headquartered in Plano, Texas.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The AI Operations Manager is the operational backbone of Upbound's AI program. You own the systems, records, and coordination processes that make everything else function. Without this role, the governance framework is a document. With it, the governance framework is a machine. An AI program moves fast. Dozens of use cases in flight across multiple lines of business, working groups that need to function, intake queues that need to move, registries that need to stay current, and approved lists that need to be enforced. This role keeps all of it running.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

AI Inventory Register

Maintain the authoritative record of every AI use case, model, and capability in use across the organization. This includes internally built tools, vendor applications with AI capabilities, and anything in the development pipeline. The register is current, accurate, and available to governance leadership at all times. You own it.

Approved Lists

Maintain and publish the GC-approved tool list, model list, and MCP server registry. When the AI Working Group or Governance Council approves or removes something, you make sure the lists reflect it immediately and that the right people are notified. These lists are enforcement mechanisms, not suggestions, and keeping them accurate is a core responsibility of this role.

Citizen Developer Registry

Maintain the registry of employees authorized to build AI-assisted workflows outside of core engineering. Track authorizations, completions of required training, and any changes to eligibility. Partner with the AI Training and Standards Lead to ensure registry status is tied to training completion.

Intake Triage

Manage the AI use case intake queue. When a ServiceNow request comes in and triggers a Jira ticket for the AI Working Group, you are the first set of eyes on it. You ensure it is complete, route it to the right lane, and track it through the intake process. You do not make the governance decisions, but you make sure nothing falls through the cracks and the Working Group has everything it needs to move.

Working Group Coordination

Coordinate logistics for the AI Working Group, Model Review Board, and AI Risk and Ethics Review Board. That means scheduling, agenda preparation, meeting notes, action item tracking, and follow-through. You are not a note-taker. You are the person who makes sure decisions made in those meetings actually get executed.

Training Coordination

Partner with the AI Training and Standards Lead on training logistics, completion tracking, and reporting. Own the data that shows ELT and LOB leadership where training stands by team and by role tier.

Program Reporting

Compile the operational data that feeds the AI Program Scorecard and other leadership reporting. Pipeline numbers, intake volume, registry counts, approved list status, working group activity. You own the accuracy of those numbers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• You are operationally excellent. You are the kind of person who builds the system, not just runs the tasks. You know how to design a process, get people to follow it, and improve it over time.
• You are comfortable managing multiple workstreams simultaneously and you do not need someone to tell you when something is falling behind.
• You have approximately 5-8 years experience in program operations, project management, or a similar role in a complex organization. You are not a passive coordinator.
• You are a driver. You can work across functions, including engineering, legal, HR, and business leadership, without losing your footing.
• You write clearly. You communicate directly. You follow through.
• Familiarity with AI concepts is helpful. You do not need to be technical. You need to understand enough to ask the right questions and recognize when something needs escalation.
• Experience with ServiceNow, Jira, or similar workflow tools is expected. Experience in a regulated industry is a plus.

What Good Looks Like in 12 Months

The AI Inventory Register is current and has never been more than one week out of date. The approved tool list is published, versioned, and enforced. Every intake request that comes through ServiceNow is triaged within two business days. Working group meetings run on schedule with prepared agendas and tracked action items. The program scorecard data is ready before anyone has to ask for it.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

• Full health benefits-Medical/Dental/Vision
• 401(k) match, 5%/4%
• DTO (discretionary time off)
• Health savings account (HSA) with company contribution
• College tuition reimbursement program (STEM degrees)
• Unlimited use of Linkedin Learning
• Onsite gym

Work Location

Ability to work in the Plano, Texas or Draper, Utah office, Monday through Friday, with travel between locations as necessary based on transformation and governance activities.

Sponsorship


Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.


Equal Opportunity Employer

Upbound Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Upbound Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.